NewsSanchez caps season vs. favored foe
San Francisco (87-74) at San Diego (75-86), 1:05 p.m. PT
By Chris Haft / MLB.com
10/04/09 1:17 AM EST
SAN DIEGO -- Before looking ahead to Jonathan Sanchez's final start Sunday, it's worth looking back on his previous outing against the San Diego Padres. That was July 10, a date that will live forever in Giants history. Sanchez threw San Francisco's first no-hitter since 1976 and nearly recorded a perfect game, dominating the Padres in an 8-0 victory. Back from a two-game stint in the bullpen to work on mechanics and regain his confidence, Sanchez struck out a career-high 11 and was inconvenienced by a baserunner only when third baseman Juan Uribe mishandled Chase Headley's one-out ground ball in the eighth inning for an error. Sanchez recovered by retiring the final five hitters and ended the two-hour, 22-minute classic by slipping a 2-2 curveball past Everth Cabrera for a called third strike. The fact that this is the season finale for both teams could favor Sanchez (as well as Cesar Ramos, his San Diego counterpart). Unofficial baseball etiquette demands that hitters swing at the first pitch or at least take hacks early in the count to avoid walks that would delay either team's getaway. Along these lines, some home-plate umpires have been known to expand their strike zones in season finales to speed up the game. San Diego's most effective hitter against Sanchez has been backup catcher Henry Blanco, who homered in both of his at-bats off the slender 26-year-old. The only Padres to have accumulated more than 10 at-bats against Sanchez are Adrian Gonzalez (.250, 5-for-20), Kevin Kouzmanoff (.143, 2-for-14) and Brian Giles (.071, 1-for-14). Pitching matchupSF: LHP Jonathan Sanchez (8-12, 4.27 ERA)
A victory will enable Sanchez to match his 2008 total. He has struck out at least nine batters in four games and is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in those contests this year. For his career, he's 3-0, 1.52 in six such games. Before no-hitting the Padres, he lost both of his appearances against them, allowing a combined seven runs in 10 2/3 innings at PETCO Park. SD: LHP Cesar Ramos (0-1, 1.74 ERA)
The Padres are giving Ramos another assignment after he allowed one run in five-plus innings in his first Major League start against the Dodgers on Tuesday. Ramos walked three and struck out two, threw a lot of strikes and benefited from three double plays that the Padres turned. Ramos offers a big breaking ball and a fastball that he can bury in the strike zone. He's one of several candidates who will try to win a job in the rotation next spring. Tidbits
Manager Bruce Bochy termed right-handed reliever Sergio Romo as "doubtful" to pitch again this season. Romo sprained his left knee Friday night when it "locked up" on him as he was finishing his follow-through. If Romo's done, he'll finish with a 5-2 record, a 3.97 ERA and two saves in 45 appearances. He has 41 strikeouts and 11 walks in 34 innings. ... Right-hander Joe Martinez's season is definitely over. He has reported to the Giants' instructional league camp at their Scottsdale, Ariz., training facility. ... Right-hander Bob Howry wasn't with the team Saturday, having returned to his Phoenix-area home to attend to a personal matter. He's expected to be back in San Diego on Sunday. Tickets
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Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
